Chief receives newspaper's Airman of the Year award

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WASHINGTON (AFPN) --  When Staff Sgt. Christopher Slaydon awoke from his combat injuries three weeks after arriving at Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, the command chief for the 12th Flying Training Wing at nearby Randolph Air Force Base was at his bedside.

"As soon as I awoke, Chief Master Sgt. Stephen Page told me I was 'his troop' now, although I am assigned to Luke AFB in Arizona," Sergeant Slaydon said. "(He said) that I would want for nothing while there. He told me when I was physically weak that if necessary, he would carry me on his back." 

That kind of loyalty and support for fellow Airmen earned Chief Page the Air Force Times Airman of the Year award in a ceremony here recently. The Air Force Times is a civilian newspaper that covers the Air Force.

"His involvement with war-wounded troops shows the role of a true leader in today's Air Force," said Senior Airman Daniel Acosta, another Airman who was treated at Brooke Army Medical Center after being wounded while deployed. "The most inspiring thing I've seen is the chief taking time from his busy life to guide, mentor and care for war-wounded troops and their families."

Sergeant Slaydon said this kind of support has not ceased to this day.

"Chief Page contacts me and my wife numerous times every week, in person, through e-mail and via telephone," he said. "He has ensured that I have been able to focus on healing, not on extraneous issues. He has proven time and time again to be the ultimate mentor, teacher and chief."

Chief Page's inspiration and leadership extends beyond wounded warriors, Staff Sgt. Elena Gonzalez said.

"He's not only the command chief of the 12th FTW, he's a command chief for the entire Air Force and throughout our sister services," she said. "He shows concern for all service members."

She explained she first met the chief during a Right Decision brief, on the verge of getting out of the military. Chief Page was the guest speaker. A couple of days later, the two bumped into each other and to Sergeant Gonazalez's surprise, the chief remembered her name.

"He asked me if I was still getting out and what he could do to keep me in the Air Force," she said. "Ever since I heard him speak, I was thinking about reenlisting and I mentioned to him I had always wanted to teach (professional military education). He mentioned there was a position available. Unfortunately, they had hired someone else prior to my package making it over, but a couple months later, the chief was looking for an executive assistant and I was hired."

She said she's worked for him ever since and plans to make the Air Force a career.

Though the chief is retiring in October, other Airmen said they'd work for chief, even go to combat with him if they could.
 
"Without a doubt, I would work with the chief any day," said Airman Acosta. "If I could go to war with him, I would. And that's huge for an (explosive ordnance disposal) guy to say!" 

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